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Teens in the Driver Seat

A peer-to-peer safe driving program for your school.

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January 25, 2021

Memory Challenge Activity

distractions
Watch the Video:
This activity will show the effect of distractions on your ability to pay attention and focus. The goal is to challenge participants to use their memory with two sets of words before and after distractions are introduced. Discussion should include the comparison between the number of words recalled with and without distractions. This is a quick and easy activity that requires minimal materials.

Items Needed

  • Two lists of 15 words
  • Pens and paper (enough for each student)
  • Some sort of distraction (music, a noisemaker, or a volunteer to talk while second list is being read)

Steps

  1. Recite a list of 15 words, without distractions, and then give students 30 seconds to write down as many as they can recall.
  2. Present the second list of words to students WITH distractions. Again, give them 30 seconds to write down as many as they can recall
  3. After students have finished both lists, discuss the following:
    • Count the number of words recalled from the first list -vs- the second list.
    • What was difficult about the second recall compared to the first?
    • What does it say about our ability to focus when distractions are present?
    • How could this activity translate to driving?
    • How is this activity like talking on the phone while driving?
  4. Take photos during the activity and share, along with information on distracted driving, on your school’s social media sites. Don’t forget to tag us at: @teensdriverseat so we can see the great things you are doing!
  5. Submit an Activity Form to earn TDS All-Stars credit for your school.

Don’t Forget

  • Teen drivers experience more distractions and peer pressure to engage in unsafe driving behaviors when other teens are present.
  • Knowing how to handle this pressure is a skill teens need to stay safe behind the wheel.

Make it GREAT

Consider awards for those who remember the most words.

Article by Stacey Tisdale / Activity Categories, Activity Sheets, Distraction Activity, Social Distancing Activity

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Check out these new ideas

Big Rig Events

TDS can help with truck safety outreach at your school or community event. Take a look at the resources we can provide.

Let’s Talk… Impaired Driving Prevention

This activity will help you facilitate a guided discussion with your peers to address their attitudes and behaviors around impaired driving and starts a conversation about the negative effect impairment has on car crashes and how teens can speak up for their safety.

Let’s Talk… Speeding

This activity will help you facilitate a guided discussion with your peers to address their attitudes and behaviors around speeding and starts a conversation about the negative effect speed has on car crashes and how teens can speak up for their safety.

Sleep Shocker!

The TDS team will conduct a poll on how many hours their peers slept the night before. The results of the poll will be displayed in the hallway to show how many “drowsy drivers” are walking the halls.

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